Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin has once again emphasized to his Sabah Barisan Nasional troops the possibility of an early state election, urging them to be prepared for it to avoid last-minute preparations. The Sabah Umno chief said that even if the 17th Sabah state election were to be called in October 2025 after the current state government’s term ended, they still did not have a lot of time, during an event in Kinabatangan recently.
To Counter any possible early election, Bung Moktar said to the party’s machinery to already start working, warning that he did not want last-minute preparations. He stated that they must always be prepared, as it is not impossible for the state polls to be held earlier. Speculations over an early election have been going around since last year, with even Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor acknowledging the possibility.
Even if the 17th Sabah state election were to be called in October 2025 after the current state government’s term ended, they still did not have a lot of time. Bung Moktar stressed the importance of always being prepared and ready, regardless of when the election may be called. In November, Hajiji said while the coalition still had two more years in power, they might consider the state election earlier. However, he stated that he still has no idea of when the state election would be held.
Bung Moktar called on all Umno members, especially in Kinabatangan where he is MP, to come up with strategies including to counter attacks by political rivals on social media. He highlighted the intense online attacks waged against Sabah Barisan-Umno and urged his members not to lose faith but to continue fending off the onslaught with facts.
He stated that the rivals might have the means to fund cyber troopers to constantly attack Umno but urged his members to champion the rakyat’s issues and to not support a party that only talks a lot when issues such as basic infrastructure development are still unresolved. Bung Moktar emphasized that it is important to defend the people’s interests and stay prepared, as the state election could happen earlier than expected.
